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Michigan Wines Tasting Notes

Michigan Wine Tasting Notes
Tom's Index |  Laura's Notes  | Steve's Notes  |  Tasting Forum 

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Rating	Quick Notes	Date Tasted	Notes By
	Tasty Little Red	01/11/01	Tom
Wine	From an AVA in the state of Michigan comes this tasty little red. It all starts with modest aromas of ripe cherries, with a subtle earthy edge. The palate is treated to strawberry and cherry flavors carried in a light body typical of the varietal. The fruit comes off ripe at mid palate, then turns slightly tart on the ample finish. With tannins that are modest and non obtrusive, it's soft and easy drinking, good to go now. Nice acidity would make it pair well with barbecue or tomato sauced pasta dishes. Price N/A.
RAFTSHOL VINEYARDS 1999 Cabernet Franc Leelanau Peninsula

Rating	Quick Notes	Date Tasted	Notes By
	Not Over Oaked	11/15/01	Tom
Wine	Nutmeg and hazelnut aromas are intertwined with spicy oak. Lots of acidity shows up on the palate, softened slightly by some smoky vanilla notes. Certainly not cloyingly rich and over oaked like so many California Chards, this product of the state of Michigan welcomes pairing with food. And, while citrus dominates the flavors, enough honey and vanilla sneak through to bring a little richness to the party. About $11.
RAFTSHOL VINEYARDS 1999 Reserve Chardonnay   Leelanau Peninsula

Rating	Quick Notes	Date Tasted	Notes By
	It Really Grows on you	11/17/01	Tom
Wine	Strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors are center stage in this Michigan Pinot Noir. On the nose, look for mineral notes of lanolin and slate. Everything gets delivered in a light body and sports a tidy little finish. Not a big, serious Pinot, but its a decent quaff in very much of a value price range, and it really grows on you. No wonder it won Best of Category at the Michigan State Fair wine competition.
RAFTSHOL VINEYARDS 2000 Pinot Noir  Leelanau Peninsula

Rating	Quick Notes	Date Tasted	Notes By
	Reminiscent of Alsatian Riesling	06/23/02	Tom
Wine	With grapefruit and fresh lime scents in the background, mineral and slate aromas rise above the fruit. The fruit takes over on the palate, with crisp lemon flavors bringing on loads of acidity. And, as promised, the wine is bone dry. The mineral elements on the nose interact with the fruit at mid palate, adding some additional notes to the flavor profile. This best served well chilled. Understand that this is a Michigan wine, but reminiscent of Alsatian Riesling. About $9.
RAFTSHOL VINEYARDS 2001 Dry Riesling Leelanau Peninsula

Rating	Quick Notes	Date Tasted	Notes By
	Perfect With BBQ	06/24/02	Tom
Wine	50% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot. It starts off with aromas suggestive of Lifesaver cherry flavored candies. The color is clear and dark pink, and the alcohol level is listed at 12.5%. A Michigan product, its cool climate characteristics come through, resulting in a light bodied red, with light tannins and tart fruit flavors. It drinks like a French bistro Beaujolais and, with all the acidity, it has to match well with food. Chill this off slightly and it will be perfect at your next backyard barbecue. About $12.
RAFTSHOL VINEYARDS 2001 Red Table Wine Leelanau Peninsula  The Second Coming

 

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